Question

1. how do convergent plate boundaries cause volcanic activity? please include in your answer:

□ how (which direction) the plates move and the type of plates
□ the flow of energy (where it comes from, where it goes)
□ the flow of matter (where it comes from, where it goes)
□ the feature that forms here.

Explanation:

Convergent plate boundaries occur when two tectonic plates move towards each other. When an oceanic - plate converges with a continental plate or another oceanic plate, the denser oceanic plate subducts (moves downward) beneath the less - dense plate. As the subducting plate descends into the mantle, it heats up and releases water and other volatiles. These volatiles lower the melting point of the surrounding mantle rock, causing it to melt and form magma. The magma, being less dense than the surrounding rock, rises through the crust and can erupt at the surface, forming volcanoes. Energy comes from the Earth's internal heat and goes towards melting the mantle rock and driving the magma movement. Matter (the subducting plate material) goes from the surface into the mantle, and magma comes from the mantle to the surface. Features that form include volcanic arcs (when an oceanic plate subducts beneath another plate) and volcanic mountains (when an oceanic plate subducts beneath a continental plate).

Answer:

At convergent plate boundaries, two plates move towards each other. When an oceanic plate is involved (either subducting beneath a continental plate or another oceanic plate), the subducting plate heats up and releases volatiles in the mantle. This causes mantle rock to melt, forming magma. The energy for melting comes from the Earth's internal heat and is used to create and move the magma. Matter from the subducting plate goes into the mantle and magma from the mantle moves towards the surface. Volcanic arcs or volcanic mountains are the features that form as a result of this process, leading to volcanic activity.